FAMILY MATTERS
Dragonlots aka Dana Bell
Inara glanced up, startled to discover Jayne standing in the door of the shuttle. "Yes, Jayne?" she inquired, not sure if she should invite him in or not.
"I, uh… " His eyes settled on the metal plating, although she noted his unshaven face turned a ruddy red.
Concerned, she rose gracefully from the simple cot that now served as her bed. "Is something wrong?"
"It's just, well, uh, I ain't never—" His face got even redder.
"Never what?"
He blurted it out. "Ain't never bedded a virgin afore."
"Oh." She bit her red painted lip. That must have been very hard for him to admit. With an understanding smile she took pity on him. Not so much for his sake, but for the young woman he'd been forced to wed on New Hope. The marriage had, after all. been her idea so they could save their contract with Justin Bolt. "Come in, Jayne." She closed the door and had him sit on the bench.
"First, you need to court her," she explained.
"I what?"
"You need to court her," she patiently repeated.
The smells coming from the dining area were heavenly, and Mal followed his nose to the room. He stopped, admiring the sight of Liz in a gaudy apron stirring a pot of something, after all, he'd always intended to hire a cook, and now, maybe he had. He noticed the table set for all of them, including a white tablecloth, and the various platters of vegetables plus hot biscuits. There was even fresh butter and cider.
"Liz," Mal said gently as he entered the yellow room. "You don't have to cook for us, lessin' you want." He hoped she'd say yes, but didn't want her to feel pressured.
"Not much else I can do." She offered him a nervous smile. "Everyone always enjoys my cooking."
"And you're a mighty fine cook," he agreed. He tasted her cooking when he'd transported the fifty brides to New Hope. Looked like the matter was settled.
"Id've helped ya," Kaylee exclaimed as she came from the engine room, her brown hair pulled back and a grease smudge on her cheek. Even her overalls had splotches.
"Now you just wash up, Kaylee. You too, Captain," Liz ordered. "While I call the others to supper."
Mal hesitated before deciding to help in his own way. "I'll tell Zoë I think she's lying down."
"And I'll grab Simon and River," Kaylee offered.
"No need. I'm here." River almost seemed to dance into the room wearing a simple orange-red gauze dress.
She stood by her chair and looked expectantly at Mal. He had no idea what she wanted.
"Aren't you going to seat me?" She asked politely as if he did that every day.
"What?" He was completely lost.
"Honestly, Mal." Inara shook her head as she and Jayne came in. Jayne had a sheepish expression and gave Inara a slight nod before he sat down. "Jayne…" The companion's look seemed to silently communicate something.
"Yeah. Forgot." He got back up and pulled out a chair. "Liz,"
His new wife gave him a grateful smile and placed the final dish on the table before she allowed her husband to seat her. He took the chair next to her.
"I'll get Zoë," Mal repeated as he retreated from the dining area. When he got back with his first mate everyone was waiting for them. As they sat down he said, "Ain't this nice."
"We should say grace first," Liz stated.
Mal started to object but Inara's shake of her head stopped him. They all knew his stance on this issue and in the past had respected his wishes. He guessed with Liz's addition that probably wouldn't be the case anymore.
"That's a good idea," Jayne agreed as he bowed his head.
"Jayne," Liz prompted. "You should say it."
The mercenary visibly swallowed. "I ain't exactly on speaking terms with the Almighty."
"That's okay. I'm sure He understands," Liz reassured him.
Jayne cleared his throat. "Uh, thanks, Lord for the food. Amen."
Mal turned his head trying not to laugh.
"So Mal, " Inara said. She helped herself to mashed potatoes and passed them to Kaylee. "How soon before we reach, what did they call the moon?"
"Verdue," he answered. "Tomorrow."
"That soon?" The companion was surprised.
"The moons ain't that far apart."
"Wonder if Stemple would make a good new client," she commented, running a hand over her blue silk skirt.
"You thinkin' of becomin' a companion again?" Kaylee questioned, taking a biscuit and handing the steaming basket to Simon.
"Well, everyone else has a job here." She glanced at Mal as if she expected him to contradict her.
Mal silently fumed. If she went to back to work, he'd never have a chance. "I ain't askin' rent."
"It isn't about that, Mal."
"You could start a new career as a midwife," Simon suggested. "You were a great help at Nandi's."
"And didn't ya tell me that was part of your trainin'?" Kaylee gazed at her friend with questioning green eyes.
Inara lifted her glass and sipped her cider. "I hadn't honestly thought about it."
"I'm going to need the help, Inara," Simon added. "If things go as Justin Bolt predicts, within a year, there will be plenty of babies to deliver on New Hope."
"One to deliver here, too," Zoë reminded them. She was just beginning to show and lightly touched her stomach. Not that Mal had forgotten.
"Gonna be so much fun," Kaylee bubbled.
Jayne snorted. "Kid will be inta everythin'."
"Don't you like kids?" Liz's narrow face paled.
He glanced at her. "Lit'le brats squall all the time and ain't nothin' but trouble."
"Jayne," Inara's tone held a warning.
"I ain't gonna lie," he objected, glaring at her and Liz.
Liz sniffed and wiped at her mud-colored eyes. "I'll get dessert." She rose and hurried over to pull a huge pie out of the oven. The smell permeated the room.
"Smells great," Mal complimented even as his eyes narrowed at Jayne's heartless comment.
"She wants a baby," River told Jayne.
Jayne choked on his food and Liz almost dropped the pie. Mal was up and helping her. "Easy now." He took the hot dish from her and placed it on the table.
"Thank you," she quietly said as she sat back down.
"I think you and me need to have words, Jayne." Mal pointed to the hallway.
"Got nothin' to say to you," Jayne retorted.
"But I got plenty to say to you. Comin'?"
Jayne grimaced and set down his food. He reluctantly followed Reynolds out into the hall. Mal rounded on him.
"Now I promised Bolt you'd do right by that gal." He tried to keep his voice down low enough so the rest of his crew couldn't hear them.
"I married her didn't I?" the mercenary retorted.
"Yeah, you did. And you promised to love and cherish her."
"I know what words I said." His tone indicated he resented every one.
"Just makin' sure." Mal leaned toward Jayne. "She's gonna be a good wife for ya. Hope you appreciate her."
"She's just so…ugly."
Reynolds couldn't exactly disagree, but he could see Liz's heart. "She's sweet, a good cook, and really wantin' to fit in here, so you give her a chance."
"That an order."
"Yeah." Mal walked back and took his seat again. He smiled at Liz. "What kind of pie did you make?" He was very grateful for the fresh supplies Bolt had supplied them with as part of their new contract.
"Apple." Liz neatly cut the pie into slices. "My mother told me I made the best pie she'd ever tasted."
Jayne finally sat back down and began eating again, refusing to look at anyone.
"I'll bet that's true." Mal took a piece and sampled it. The sweet taste melted in his mouth. "Best I've ever had."
"Would you like a piece, Jayne?" Liz offered her husband a slice.
"Sure," he grumbled with food still in his mouth.
Mal closed his eyes. He hoped Jayne's new wife could teach the man some table manners.
Verdue filled the window when Mal walked onto the bridge. The moon was covered mostly by water tinted a swirling brilliant green shade he'd never seen before.
"Like someone played with watercolors," River commented. She'd lined the dinosaurs up on the console so they all stared down at her.
"One way to describe it," Mal agreed, taking the lower level chair. "Got the location of Stemple's mill yet?"
"Uh, huh. He sent us a wave. Says we're late."
Bolt had warned him about Stemple's tactics. "Oh, he did, did he?"
River smiled. "Yeah. Told him it wasn't true, and we expected to collect full payment for our load."
"You did?" River continued to amaze him sometimes. Not always in a good way, but this was one of those rare exceptions when she'd done something right.
"Knew you'd approve." She sounded smug.
"You did good." No need to withhold praise when it was due.
They passed through wispy emerald clouds as they lost atmo and landed near a large lumber mill. Gray smoke escaped the large metal plume, and Mal could see orange sparks occasionally jumping in the metal mesh top. Bolt had said Stemple employed about a hundred men. A huge sign stated 'Stemple's Mill' and a small wooden building stood near it. Dust whirled up from the yard and Mal heard muffled shouts.
"Guess I'd better go knock on the front door," he stated rising to go do business.
"Want me to come along?" River turned in her chair to face him.
"You stay here. I think it best I take Zoë."
The girl nodded and started to rearrange the dinosaurs again. Mal was sorely tempted to hide them. He hit the com. "Zoë, meet me in the hold." He didn't wait for her to reply. Once below he opened the hatch.
"Think Stemple will cause trouble, sir?" Zoë inquired. He noted she wore a loose pants outfit and had rearranged how she wore her gun. If he hadn't known she was pregnant, he wouldn't have been able to tell.
He shook his head. "Bolt said Stemple is crafty and always lookin' for a way to turn a situation around to his advantage."
"Sounds familiar."
"Don't it." Mal grinned. "Let's go meet him."
They crossed the distance to the wood building Mal assumed was the main office. A balding man wearing a black apron and thick glasses greeted them, explaining he was just the lowly accountant and that Mr. Stemple would be with them momentarily. He then sat back down at his cluttered desk and ignored them.
After a few minutes another door opened and out walked a man that reminded Mal of Simon Tam, when they'd first met. He was tall, with dark hair and eyes, and wore a navy blue suit, pressed white shirt. Around his neck was a simple red bow tie.
"I'm Ronald Stemple," he introduced himself. "You must be Captain Malcolm Reynolds."
"I am." He took the man's offered hand and shook it. The gripe was strong. Good sign. "My first mate, Zoë."
"Pleasure, ma'am."
"Mr. Stemple." Zoë casually rested her hand on her gun.
"Come in," the man invited although Mal had seen Stemple hadn't missed Zoe's silent gesture. They entered a plush office with a huge desk and comfortable chairs.
"As I explained to that argumentative young lady in my wave, you're late."
"Near as I can figure," Mal replied, "you're lucky to have this shipment at all. Wouldn't in fact, if Bolt hadn't hired me and my crew." Stemple seemed surprised by his tactic. Well, the truth came in handy sometimes.
The mill owner pursed his lips. "You're good. Don't suppose I could up the anti and hire you away from Bolt?"
"No. You couldn't." He patted his brown jacket where the signed contract resided in an inner pocket.
Stemple laughed. "I see where you got your honorable reputation, Captain Reynolds." He moved to the sidebar and poured three drinks. "I think we can do business."
"I'll pass on the drink, Mr. Stemple," Zoë told him.
He glanced at her startled. "It's good brandy."
"Thanks anyway, I got my reasons."
Mal knew she didn't want to drink while carrying her baby. "She means no disrespect, and Zoë has a good reason." No need to go into detail.
"Okay." He handed the glass to Reynolds. "To our future business dealings."
"Long as you remember I'm just the messenger."
Liz took a long look around the quarters she was supposed to share with her husband. He had chosen not to share their bed on their wedding night, or any night since then, and she assumed it was because he was still upset about the other evening's dinner conversation. Or maybe because, like she'd read in the old histories, they'd had what was termed 'a shotgun wedding'.
"Doesn't matter," she told herself as she went about tidying up. Liz didn't want to actually move anything without his permission, but she couldn't live out her trunk forever. And she really didn't know what to do about the guns lining the wall behind the bed wshich were hidden by an ugly green blanket.
Today, she'd dressed in a simple brown dress, hoping the shade complimented her wavy hair, which she wore up in style she knew really didn't help her appearance. Well, there wasn't much she could do about that. She didn't have Tawny's beauty.
"What'ya doin'?" Jayne yelled as he dropped down into the room.
"Just cleaning up a bit."
"I like it the way it was."
She wondered if he ever took off his shirt and blushed at the thought. "That may be, but you aren't living here alone anymore."
"So it seems," he grumbled. He plunged onto the bed. "Go away. I want ta sleep."
She sighed and did as he asked. She really didn't feel up to an argument, not with being still newly married. Liz found a place to sit on the upper walkway and watched as the logs were unloaded.
"Good morning," Inara greeted and sat beside her. Today the companion looked stunning in a red dress with earrings and a stone necklace that highlighted the outfit.
"Good morning," Liz returned not wanting to be rude, although the woman hadn't been anything but polite and nice. It was Inara's profession, not manner, that bothered Liz.
"I wonder if we'll be taking any cargo back to New Hope," Inara said.
Liz didn't answer because she no idea. She saw Reynolds come back with Zoë and another man attired in a dark suit. The three stood close to the control near the hatch.
Inara leaned close to her. "I'll bet that's Stemple. Not bad looking is he?"
"I hadn't noticed."
The man in question glanced up and stared openly. He said something to Reynolds who shrugged.
"I think I'll go introduce myself." Inara gracefully rose and went below.
Liz felt like a very ugly duckling similar to the one in a story she'd read as a child. She'd cried at the wonderful ending hoping that would happen to her. It never had.
"Hello, I'm Inara." The beautiful companion introduced herself to Stemple.
"Ronald Stemple, ma'am." He smiled at her warmly. "I hear you're a companion."
"She ain't no more," Mal put in, an angry note in his voice.
"I'm not registered at the moment." She allowed her smile to touch her brown eyes. "Does it matter?"
"Not to me. Might to my wife, though." Stemple took a step back.
"You're married?" Mal perked up at that information.
"Expecting our first child." Stemple turned his attention away from Inara to Reynolds. "I hear you have an excellent doctor on board."
"He ain't bad. Top three percent of his class. Has patched up my crew when needed."
"What's he doing out here?"
"We all got stories. That's for him to tell." Mal needed to secure the payment he had to deliver back to Bolt.
"Hmmm." Stemple rubbed his jaw. "Think he'd mind taking a look at my wife?"
"You can ask. Inara, how about you take him to the doc."
"Certainly." She tucked her arm into Stemple's. "This way."
They stayed on Verdue for two days before clearing atmo to return to New Hope. Simon Tam had checked Stemple's wife and the man had acted like it was greatest act of kindness he'd ever received.
"She isn't due for another six months," Simon informed them as they sat around the table after another wonderful meal Liz had prepared for them. "Although Stemple did ask if I'd come back and deliver the baby when it comes."
"Might be able to arrange that," Mal replied. "Seems he'd like us to deliver the lumber he intends to cut to Underground, the third moon."
"Does that violate our contract with Bolt, sir?" Zoë sipped her cider concern on her dark face.
"Not as fer I can tell."
"Underground?" Kaylee seemed puzzled. "What kind of name is that for a moon?"
"Moons are named all sorts of things, Kaylee," Inara reminded her friend.
"Seems they make their livin' by mining." Mal half smiled. "May not be too imaginative, but it fits."
"Bolt did say somethin' about us flyin' between the moons," Zoë recalled.
"Long as we git paid," Jayne grumbled.
"If this goes as planned, Jayne -" Mal began.
Jayne grunted. Liz threw him a questioning look.
"We'll be sittin' pretty and have cashy money for once," Mal finished.
"Not to mention a decent food supply." Simon nibbled on a biscuit to make his point.
"Where's that sister of yours?" River hadn't joined them for dinner and Mal wondered where she'd gotten off to. Liz had put a plate aside for the girl.
A loud sneeze punctuated the moment.
"You should cover your mouth when you do that," Liz admonished her husband.
Jayne sneezed again as River entered. The girl glanced around like she was looking for something.
"Lose somethin'?" Mal asked.
Liz jumped as something brushed against her foot. She reached under the table. "I wondered where you were." In her arms wiggled a calico kitten.
"Ahhh!" Jayne yelled nearly upsetting the table as he bolted to his feet.
The cat scrambled out of Liz's arms and darted for a door, running like a dog was chasing it. River pivoted and managed to grab the terrified animal by the scruff of its neck. When it quieted, she hugged the kitten close.
"Git it outta here!" Jayne bellowed. Another sneeze followed and another.
River blinked. "You scared Mimzy."
"I'll get you something for that," Simon offered as Jayne sneezed again.
"No!" Jayne hollered. He glared at River. "Git it out!"
"She doesn't like you either," River responded with an indignant toss of her head. She walked regally out.
"Now just where," Mal wanted to know. "Did that cat come from?"
"I, uh," Liz fidgeted with her glass. "It's my fault. There was a boy who came out to the ship and well, he had some kittens he wanted to give away and I, you see, I love cats and missed having one, and I- I - I picked one out." Her cheeks turned a bright pink. "I'm sorry. I didn't think to ask if it was all right."
"Gorram right you didn't!" Jayne hit the table with his fist. Liz jumped and looked like she was going to cry. "I want that critter off this ship!"
"Now don't you go givin' orders on my boat." Mal took exception to anyone trying to tell him what to do on Serenity. He sat back and crossed his arms thinking. His gaze went to the doctor. "You got somethin' to keep Jayne there from sneezin'?"
"I do," Simon confirmed.
"Then the cat stays."
Jayne opened his mouth to protest. Mal shook his head. "This is my boat. You can git off anytime you want."
"This ain't over." Jayne stalked to the hall but stopped to address Liz before he left. "That critter don't come in our quarters. If'n it does, I kill it."
Liz buried her face in her hands and cried. Inara hurried over to comfort the poor girl.
"Mal," Inara said.
"Yeah, I know."
Liz stayed with Inara in the shuttle for the night. The companion tucked the weeping young woman into bed and took a blanket to sleep on the floor. It wouldn't be the most comfortable night, but out of respect for Liz's sense of respectability, she didn't try to share the cot.
Inara woke much later to a loud purr and a cold nose butting at her hand. "You should be asleep," she told the cat, scratching its tiny head. She could understand Liz wanting to keep the feline.
The cat snuggled close and began to wash itself. After a few minutes it stopped and closed its eyes. Inara followed suite and woke when Liz tried to tiptoe out.
"Liz?"
"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you. I thought I'd just go start breakfast."
Inara sat up. The cat protested being disturbed with a load yowl.
"Hush, Mimzy." Liz reached down and picked up the kitten, cuddling it next to her breast.
"Liz," Inara hesitated. Still, after her talk with Jayne, she was curious. "Have you and Jayne…?"
Liz blushed. "No. He," she bit her lip, "doesn't seem to want much to do with me."
The companion suspected it was because of the girl's looks. "Liz, forget about making breakfast." Inara got up and stretched. She tossed the blanket on the cot.
"But,"
"But nothing." She closed the door. "You know, you have very pretty hair. Let me put it up for you."
The kitchen was empty. No teasing smells escaped and Jayne stood in the room completely dumbfounded.
"Serves ya right," Kaylee said, glaring at him from behind the counter. "Treat that poor girl the way ya do."
"None of your business," he retorted.
The pretty little engineer helped herself to some rice and made some for Simon as well. She grabbed chopsticks and a spoon. She and Simon were going to have breakfast together. In bed. She put a pot of water, two mugs, tea, and whatever else she needed on a tray. "You can just eat by yourself." She stomped out.
"You seem mighty unpopular this mornin'," Mal commented. He took down a mug and made himself some tea.
"All account of that…girl."
"That girl is your wife," Mal reminded him.
"How do I git rid of her?"
"Now you'd best git this through your thick skull. You married that girl and made promises. I ain't about to let ya back out."
"You did," Jayne accused.
"Entirely different situation and you know it."
"What, you special just cuz you're the captain."
"You forgettin', Jayne, that Saffron tried to kill us!"
"Gorram excuses!" the mercenary shouted back.
"Jayne!" Though the mercenary was good for back up muscle, Mal was getting tired of the attitude. "You're married. Best you settle that with yourself or else git the hell off my boat." He was trying very hard to keep his temper under control or else he'd shoot the man.
"Suits me!" Jayne grabbed some leftover biscuits and a glass of cider before he stormed out.
"He through shoutin'," Zoë asked from the door. She came into the room her hand lightly running over the tablecloth. "Nice to have a few homey touches."
"Yeah, it is ain't it?" Mal sat down on one of the mismatched chairs. "You know, I'm almost tempted to tell Bolt, for that poor girl's sake, to have the preacher dissolve their marriage."
Zoë sat down cupping her mug of tea. "I don't think Bolt would agree. And we might loose our contract." She took a drink. "I like it out here, sir. Don't want to roam the black so much anymore.'
Mal reached over and put his hand on hers. "I know how ya feel."
"Like a home for a change." Her chocolate eyes met Mal's hazel ones. "No disrespect meant, sir."
"None taken," he assured her. "You want to stay on Serenity or…?" He was almost afraid to ask. He'd hate to loose her.
"Serenity is home, sir; it's just that, well, with the baby an' all," she hesitated. "Sometimes I think havin' a cabin on some nice little planet wouldn't be all bad."
"I'd miss ya."
"I know, sir." She smiled. "I'm not sure what I want to do yet."
"There," Inara put the finished touches on Liz's hair. "What do you think?"
Liz stared at herself in the mirror. "Wow." She turned to gaze at the companion. "Is that me?"
Inara gave the girl a warm smile. "You have a giving heart and that gives you a special beauty."
She didn't add that some makeup and the right hairstyle helped. The companion frowned. Something had to be done about the girl's dress. "You know, I think I have a gown you would look lovely in."
"Here," Simon handed Jayne some pills. The mercenary had come to the infirmary seeking relief, albeit reluctantly. "This should help with the sneezing."
"Better we git rid of that gorram cat."
"That ain't gonna happen," Kaylee informed Jayne. She sat on the side area. "Besides, I think it's nice to have a cat aboard. They git rid of varmints."
Simon cleared his throat trying to keep from laughing. The way she said it, he wasn't certain if she meant rodents or Jayne himself.
"Funny," Jayne grunted back.
"If the symptoms get worse, please let me know. Or if you have an allergic reaction to the pills."
Simon tried to be the professional doctor he'd been trained to be.
"I will." The mercenary glared at them both before he left.
"He's such a gorram-" Kaylee muttered an appropriate phrase in Chinese.
"Kaylee, such language." He smiled though because he agreed.
"I think Liz is sweet."
"I agree." He went over and sat beside her.
"You think they've…?"
His face burned. "I have no idea."
Mal moved Liz's trunk out of Jayne's quarters. He put her in the guest cabin next to River. He figured he'd ask Inara or maybe Kaylee to help the girl get settled. He'd tell Liz what he'd done when he saw her.
Anger burned in him and he slammed his fist against the outside wall. He winced at the pain he'd inflicted on himself, but it was better to take it out on the wall than Jayne - the gorram idiot! How come he couldn't appreciate what he had? Liz was a boon to the crew and a welcome addition. She didn't take Wash's place, but she filled a badly needed niche. In all honesty, he'd hate to loose her.
Not to mention one of the best paying contracts they'd managed to luck into. It was good for the crew. They could have a home out here and be welcomed. Not just jumping all over the system for whatever they could find like they had in the past. Things were just too unstable around the core planets.
"She should stay," River said from behind him.
"What?"
"Liz. She should stay."
"I know." He rubbed his face tiredly.
"Jayne is stupid."
"Know that, too."
"We need to so something."
"I'm open to suggestions, Little Albatross."
River grinned. "I have an idea."
He was almost afraid to ask her what she had in mind.
Jayne noticed Liz's trunk was gone when he crawled down to his bunk. For a second he hoped maybe they'd gotten rid of the girl but remembered they were in space and not on the planet. Suddenly angry for no reason he could fathom, he climbed back up and confronted Mal who was walking by.
"Where's Liz?" he demanded.
"I moved her to the guest quarters."
"You got no right to do that."
"You asked me to git rid of her. Figured that was easiest since you seem ta have no use for the girl."
"But she's my wife."
"And you're reminding me?" Mal crossed his arms and just stared at Jayne. "Seems to me you've done nothin' but belly ache about her. Soon as we git back to New Hope, I'm goin' to ask Bolt to dissolve your marriage."
"Good idea."
"One thing though. Liz stays on board. She's a great cook."
"You mean I have'ta keep puttin' up with her!"
"Unless you want to stay on New Hope. Hmmm," he mumbled thoughtfully. "Now there's an idea. Maybe workin' for Bolt would teach you some appreciation for the fairer sex."
"I got plenty of appreci…I like women."
"Likin' them and appreciating them are two different things." Reynolds climbed onto the bridge.
"Gorram…" Jayne muttered a few choice words in Chinese before going back to his bunk.
"That was sweet," River giggled from the pilot's chair.
"Thanks." Mal noticed the dinosaurs had migrated to the lower command area, except for one that the cat seemed to be playing with on the floor. "River…"
"They want to be there." Seriously she looked at him. "They can see better."
"What about this poor fella on the floor."
"He wanted to play with Mimzy."
"Okay." No need to argue with the girl. "Time for the next part of your plan."
"Partly your plan."
"I know." Mal took the walkways back to the dining area. He found Liz in the kitchen with her apron on, but a dress he'd never seen before. In fact, he couldn't remember when he'd seen her so lovely.
"Hi, Mal." Inara sat at the table sipping tea. She followed his gaze. "Lovely, isn't she?"
"You do that?"
The companion nodded. "All women are beautiful. Sometimes it just takes the right cocoon for a butterfly to emerge."
Inara's handiwork would work into his plan perfectly.
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"What do you mean you moved me?" Liz cried when Mal told her where her new quarters were. "But Captain, I-"
"Liz, Jayne don't appreciate what he got. I wanted you to be more comfortable. Serenity's your home now."
She sniffed. Inara gently patted the woman's back. "He's only trying to help, Liz."
"I was hoping by sharing quarters he'd at least get to like me." Liz dabbed at her eyes. Some of the makeup Inara had applied ran down the girl's cheek.
"Jayne is stubborn." He tapped the table with his fingers. "I'm thinkin' keepin' you two apart for a time might make him think."
"Oh, Mal, please." Inara gave him a look.
"Okay," Reynolds conceded. "Maybe he doesn't think."
"Who don't think?" Jayne entered the room. "Somethin' smells good."
Mal winked at Liz. She rose regally from her chair. "I'm sure it does." She went to the cooking area, retrieved a bowl and thumped it down on the table. It was filled with half-cooked beans. "You can make your own meal," she announced and walked out.
The big man looked at the bowl and then the door where Liz had gone. "She do somethin' with her hair?"
"See what I mean." Inara took her cup and left.
Mal just sat back and enjoyed the moment.
They reached New Hope faster than Mal would have liked. River put the ship down close to where they'd landed the last time, and he opened up the hatch. Fresh air invaded the cramped space, and he stepped out into the damp air.
"Evenin', Captain Reynolds!" Justin Bolt greeted, his usual buckskin clothes looking slightly damp.
"Mr. Bolt." Mal walked down the ramp. The ground was drenched and muddy.
"Had us some rain."
"So I see."
Bolt's expression changed. "How's he treating Liz?"
"Not well. We'd like ta keep her on board. She's a wonderful cook."
"So I heard."
He glanced behind him. The rest of crew was gathering. "Can we talk?"
"Certainly."
The two leaders retreated to the saloon. It was the typical backwater dive that served drinks to the locals. Several tables scattered about, a bar that a man could stand at, and a heavyset woman acting as bar keep.
"What I can I get you, Justin?" She called when she saw the big man.
"Two glasses of your best whiskey, Marla," he replied, taking a seat at a table.
Mal took a chair and waited until they got their drinks before telling Bolt what he wanted. Once they were served he took a sip. "Smooth."
"Yeah. Now," Justin's face took on a friendly look, "what can I do fer ya?"
"I'd like to leave Jayne here for a few days. Stemple wants us to deliver his cut timber to Underground."
"Won't you need Jayne?" Bolt lifted the shot to his lips.
"Not for this run."
Bolt narrowed his blue eyes. "You're up to somethin'."
"I see we understand each other."
"Captain Reynolds, it will be a pleasure to accommodate Jayne Cobb."
"Just make sure he gits the direst, nastiest work you can find fer him."
"Oh, it will be my pleasure."
The two men lifted glasses and toasted their bargain.
"Jayne, you're stayin' here," Mal informed the mercenary when they were getting ready to lift off a couple of days later.
"Whadda ya mean, I'm stayin' here?" Jayne angrily replied.
"Just what I said. I've hired you out to Bolt while we make Stemple's delivery."
"He need a hired gun?"
Mal could see the prospect delighted Jayne. Time to burst the bubble. "No. He needs a mudder."
"A mudder! I ain't doin' no such thing, Mal."
"Yes. You are. " He turned away from the hatch controls. "Need I remind you, you almost ruined our contract?"
Jayne made a face. "No."
"Good. Bolt's in town waitin' fer ya."
"Fine." He stomped off.
"What are up you to, sir?" Zoë watched Jayne's angry walk into town.
"Humility lessons." He closed the hatch. "You wave Stemple."
She nodded. "He's expecting us, sir."
"Good."
Zoë followed Mal up the stairs to the bridge. River was ensconced in the pilot's chair, the dinosaurs now surrounding one of scopes. A tree sat in the middle, and Mimzy batted at it from her perch on the ledge above the panel.
"Really gonna have ta do somethin' about those dinosaurs," Mal muttered. "Take her up, River."
The girl smiled at him. "Yes, sir." Her hands danced over the controls. "And the dinosaurs stay."
Zoë covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Reynolds glared at his first mate. "I'll leave Serenity in your capable hands then." He stalked out and went to stand where he could overlook the hold. The tire still hung in its usual spot. Maybe he'd suggest a game later. Might make Liz feel more like a member of the crew if she had some time to socialize and not just cook in the kitchen.
"Just exactly what type of 'bargain' did you strike with Bolt?" Inara inquired as she joined him and leaned on the railing.
He noticed she wore a more simple dress than usual, but she was still beautiful. Her hair hung loose about her bare shoulders, and he wondered how it would feel to run his hands through those lush curls. Best you think on somethin' else, he reminded himself. "Just doin' some match makin'."
"Hope it works."
"My plans always work."
"Mal, don't forget who you're talking to."
"River helped."
"Hmmm." She smiled warmly at him. "In that case, I hope it does."
Jayne found Bolt in the saloon having a drink with his brothers. The big man noticed him and motioned Cobb inside.
"Jayne, you remember my brothers James and John?" The two younger men didn't exactly look like their brother. James had the same dark hair, but his eyes were brown and seemed shorter than his older brothers. John on the other hand had blue eyes like Justin, but his hair was blond. They both were slendor while Justin was rugged and muscular.
"Yeah, I 'member." He squared his shoulders. "Mal said you had work for me."
Justin smiled. "I do at that. John, why don't you take Jayne here up to the camp and git him started on his duties."
"I'll do just that." The blond man rose and headed for the door. Jayne followed.
"You'll be sleeping in a tent like the rest of us. There's an outhouse and Cookie keeps us well fed." They crossed the desert expanse and headed down a slight hill.
"He a good cook?" Jayne wanted to know.
"Most of the time. You won't starve." John whistled as they climbed a steep trail. Huge trees touched the deep blue sky and not far away a river meandered down the valley. It wasn't long before they reached the camp. "You'll bunk there." John pointed to a tent. "Oh, I forgot. You'll be sharing it with Bull."
"Figures." Jayne had shared a bunk before and not liked it. That was one of the many reasons he'd signed on with Reynolds.
John took him through the camp pointing out the grub wagon, the outhouse, where the brothers' tent was and finally, he stopped by a pair of mules. "The men are pulling logs down from the east side," he indicated the area. "I want you to take these two up so they can help haul down the load."
"Sure." Two mules shouldn't be much trouble Jayne figured.
"I'll leave you to it then." John walked away.
"Come on then." Jayne grabbed the reins and pulled. One mule took a few steps forward but the other sat down and refused to move. "Oh, come on." He yanked hard as he could trying to get the beast started. It blinked huge brown eyes at him and shook its head. "Worse than a woman," he grumbled.
John glanced over his shoulder and forced himself to keep walking. No need to tell Jayne Cobb that some sugar or even a carrot would get both mules moving. Justin had told him to give the mercenary the worse jobs they had in camp. Getting the mules to a haul site was one of them. He started whistling again and waved at Cookie as he went by.
"Ain't ya gonna tell 'im?" The plumb man asked while rubbing his lard-covered hands on his dusty pants.
"Nope. And don't you go telling him." He gave the cook a wink. "The man needs to learn some lessons."
Cookie thought about that for a moment and let go a whoop. "Then give 'im ta me. 'Ave I got meself some jobs fer 'im."
"Deal." John went back down the trail to town. He told Justin about Cookie's offer and his brother agreed that would be a great idea.
"I can just imagine what Cookie will come up with." Justin finished his whiskey. "Now, we'd best git ourselves back up the mountain and ta work."
"I,b-b-bee along in a b-b-bit." James stuttered.
"Oh?" Justin leaned over to his brother. "Something I should know about?"
"N-n-no." The youngest brother shook his head.
"See ya back at camp." Justin and John left.
James took a deep breath and went across the street to the new dorm. Nervously he knocked on the door. One of the brides opened the door and hollered over her shoulder. "Tawny! James is here!"
He waited on the porch as had been decided was proper when coming to call. Tawny came out a big smile on her face. Her hair was piled attractively and she wore a simple gingham dress. She'd thrown a shawl over her shoulders.
"Hello, James," she greeted.
"H-h-h-hello." He offered her a tentative smile. "W-w-want to g-g-go fer a w-w-walk?"
"I'd love to." She tucked her arm into his. "Which way?"
"T-t-this w-w-way."
Jayne finally got the two stubborn beasts up the hill to the site. One of the men had taken them from him, giving the mules bits of sugar. Obediently they followed. Cobb fumed. John could have told him there was a secret to getting them to do what he wanted. He'd have to have words with that particular Bolt brother.
"Jayne!" Justin hailed. "Go back to camp and help Cookie."
The mercenary huffed, but did what he was told. On his way back, he saw James with one of the brides. They were sitting on a tree stump. She was smiling and talking up a storm. James would nod now and then and nervously grinned at her. She patted his hand and they got up, walking back toward town.
"Now ain't that interestin'."
When Jayne returned to the grub wagon, Cookie put his plumb arms on his massive waist. "Where ya bin?"
"I was comin'."
"Excuses!" He grabbed a knife and waved it in the air. "I gots me work ta do and ya was loafin'!"
"Was not. Those dad burn mules was stubborn as…"
"Don't ya say it!" He pointed to a pile of spuds. "Those be needin' ta be peeled."
"The whole pile?"
"Ya. Now git ta work."
"I'm gonna kill Mal." He sat down and went to work.
"That was a wonderful dinner, Liz," Mal complimented.
"You're welcome." He didn't miss her wistful gaze at the empty chair beside her. "I'll get dessert."
Inara tossed a questioning glance at him but didn't ask whatever was on her mind.
"I wonder if she made another great pie?" Kaylee's eyes brightened at the prospect.
"You like gaining weight?" Simon teased.
"Well, my mama always said a woman could use some meat on her bones."
"Reavers like meat," River piped up.
"Now don't go jinxing us with talk about them." Mal never wanted to see Reavers again. Not after what he'd learned and had seen.
"We don't have to worry about them, do we?" Liz sounded frightened.
"See what you've done, River," Mal accused.
"Don't talk to my sister that way." Simon got to his feet.
"Sit down, Simon." Zoë took a big piece of pie. Red strawberries peeked out of browned crust.
"Strawberries!" Kaylee cut a huge hunk and poked a bite in her mouth. "Hmmm," she moaned.
"Inara?" Liz offered the companion a slice.
"I'll think I'll pass. Thank you."
"'Fraid you won't fit into those fancy dresses of yours?" Mal punctuated his point by chomping on a strawberry. "Ouch!" He waved his hand before his mouth and grabbed the cold cider.
"Serves you right." Inara smiled, softening her tone.
"That ain't nice, Cap'n." Kaylee stared with disbelief at Reynolds.
"You should tell her," River stated, toying with a strawberry like she'd never seen it before.
"Tell who what." He cut into his pie, hoping River hadn't read his mind about Inara and how he felt toward the ex-companion.
"You know." She shook her head. "Men are so stubborn."
"Ain't it the truth," Kaylee agreed.
Jayne finished his spud duty and got up to stretch his legs.
"Bring 'em 'ere," Cookie ordered.
Grumbling, Jayne did what he was told. After several trips he'd dumped them all into a huge pot of boiling water sitting over an open fire.
"Got another job fer ya."
"Why ain't I surprised."
Cookie pointed a fat finger at a dirty bucket. "Out'ouse needs cleanin'."
"You gotta be kiddin'!"
The rotund man scratched his arm and plucked a carrot out of the pot. "Gits ta smellin' after a day 'a use."
Jayne wrinkled his nose.
"Best ya git movin'. Men will be comin' back ta eat and sleep at sun set."
"Yer enjoyin' this."
"Got me an ass-sistant." Cookie grinned. "'Course I am."
"'Course he is." Jayne sulked all the way to the outhouse and went to work cleaning it. After he buried all the waste in a pit far down stream, he cleaned the bucket in the river and himself the best he could. When he got back to camp, the loggers were all sitting around with a plate of food. He got his and sat down wind.
"Have a good first day?" Justin asked him walking up.
"Guess so."
"Good. Have lots of chores for ya to do."
"If today's any example," he glowered at the big man. "I ain't so sure I'll be stickin' around."
Justin eased down so he could stare at Jayne face to face. "Now you listen to me, I hear ya haven't been treating your wife very well."
"What of it? She ain't much ta took at."
"According to Tawny, Liz has a good heart and is a great cook. Any man would be lucky to have her as a wife."
"Any man cu'n have her."
"Well, my friend, that ain't possible. Not after the two of you got 'lost' without a chaperone."
"Ain't my fault."
"Wasn't hers either." Bolt held Jayne's eyes. "You might want to think about that."
"Nothin' to think about."
He didn't see the fist slam into his jaw. What was left of his dinner flew everywhere.
"That was for her honor you sullied." Justin got up and walked away.
Jayne just sat there stunned.
00000000000000000000000000000
Liz sat in her lonely quarters. Mimzy crawled up into her lap and started to purr. Absently she stroked the kitten.
River knocked on her door. "Liz?"
"Come in, River." Liz checked on the kitten. It was sound asleep and she eased the feline unto the bed.
"Do you need help settling in?"
"No. I'm fine."
"You hurt." The girl touched her own heart. "Here."
"I miss, Jayne."
"Why?" River frowned. "He didn't want to be married."
"Well, he's still my husband."
"Don't worry. We have a plan." She smiled mysteriously.
"A plan?"
"Yeah." River left and Liz couldn't figure out what in verse the girl was talking about.
"Guess I'll have to settle for cuddling with you." She lay down on the bunk and fell asleep with the kitten beside her.
Jayne wearily trudged to his tent. Pushing aside the flap, he discovered most of the room was taken up by a huge man who grumbled and barked, "Go bathe. Ya smell."
Trudging back to the river, he striped, washed the best he could, and did the same with his clothes. When he got back to the tent, he hung them on a branch not far away and crawled in. He barely had enough blanket to cover his body and his feet stuck out. His tent mate snored, and Jayne had just finally managed to drift off when Cookie woke him.
"Git up."
"I ain't slept."
"Not me fault. Need 'elp with break'ast and it needs ta be ready whend the others git up."
With a groan he rose, retrieved his still damp clothes and peeled more spuds, stirred stuff in pots and made coffee. After everyone else in camp had eaten, he was allowed to grab a few bites before Cookie put him to work washing dishes.
Then he helped make lunch, cleaned it all up, helped with dinner, cleaned up, and exhausted, he went to sleep in his clothes. In the morning, he decided maybe he should be grateful to Mal for a bunk to himself, a full belly, and honest work – when they could get it.
Something, Jayne promised himself, he'd tell Reynolds when Serenity returned.
After they cleared atmo at Verdue, River set course for Underground. She giggled remembering how Stemple had tried to back out of the agreed payment to deliver the cut lumber to the miners. Captain Reynolds had crossed his arms and told the man he was more than welcome to make his own arrangements for transport, though it might take a long while, seeing as how they were on the edge of the solar system.
They'd sat on the planet for two days before Stemple approached them again with not just an offer of full payment, but a bonus if they left the same day the hold was fully loaded. Ronald had grinned and informed Mal that he appreciated Reynold's stubbornness and they could do business anytime.
"Figured it was a test," Mal had muttered when Zoë had asked him what it had all been about. "We passed."
Two dinosaurs wobbled and Mimzy clumsily perched on the panel's edge. Her colorful tail twitched and she meowed at River. The girl reached over and rubbed the cat's head.
"Least there's no sneezin'," Mal commented, joining River on the bridge.
"Jayne is stupid." River took several of the dinosaurs and arranged them in a straight line.
"Won't argue with ya on that," Mal agreed.
"Poor Liz. Her heart hurts."
"She seen Simon about that?"
"Not that kind of hurt." River stared at Mal.
"Oh. You mean she loves him."
"Yes." The cat jumped down and crawled into River's lap. A loud purr filled the confined space.
"Never really expected that twist of events."
"That's why she went for a walk with him."
Mal frowned. "She tell ya that?"
"No."
"You best be careful if'n you're readin' her."
"She thinks about it all the time. Hard not to."
"Huh." She sensed he hadn't thought about that.
"How soon before we reach Underground?"
"Three days. Underground is bit further out." She sat straight up, breathing hard. "Reavers."
"Where?" His eyes quickly scanned the space before them.
"Not seen us." She turned her head, her eyes seeing the depths of their ship and their souls. "Hungry."
Mal hit the com. "Kaylee, kill the power."
Her voice floated back. "Shi, goin' dark."
Serenity floated to a slow stop.
"River?" he whispered.
"Didn't see us." Her eyes refocused.
"Where they headed?" She didn't answer. "River, where they headed?"
She stared up into his concerned eyes. "I'm not sure."
They made Underground on schedule, but once they left the ship, they could see where the Reavers had been. Smoke filled the air, and what few buildings had been standing, were charred skeletons.
"Kind of wish Jayne was here, sir," Zoë said as she gazed out over the devastation, her gun in hand.
"We could use his gun," Mal agreed. "Do a quick search. There might be survivors."
Everyone spread out, being careful while searching the debris. After an hour or so, they came to the conclusion no one had survived and got ready to leave. But then, several miners with their families crawled out of the mine.
"Good to see ya," a soot-covered old man called.
Surprised, Mal scuttled back to the people, shouting for Dr. Tam. "Anyone hurt?"
"Naw," the old man replied. "Me be Sutters." He coughed. "Saw 'em comin'. Got as many as possible inta the mine."
"Not everyone." Mal averted his eyes from a body not far away.
"Well, they 'ad to find a few."
Reynolds thought it best not to ask about that. "How can we help ya?"
"Jest bein' here." Sutters smiled a toothless grin. "Our thanks…?"
"Captain Malcolm Reynolds."
"Cap'n Reynolds."
"My crew." He pointed to the others. "Let's see what we can do to help ya rebuild."
"Much obliged."
Several days passed as the lumber was unloaded. Mal knew pride as his crew pitched in to help the miners rebuild their town. Luckily, the townsfolk had kept their food supply hidden, and so didn't put a strain on what they carried on Serenity. Liz, oddly enough, was in her element and organized the women to keep everyone fed as they worked.
The work finally completed, Sutters bid them farewell and they took Serenity back to Verdue. Stemple paid them the agreed amount, their bonus, and after hearing what had happened on Underground, paid Reynolds another fee to transport men and more materials back to the stricken moon.
Mal stood on his bridge, eyeing cautiously the dinosaurs now in line as if marching across the deck. "Sense anythin' I should know about, little one?"
She twisted her head in a circle from where she sat on the floor, her gauzy dress in disarray while Mimzy tried to dig a way under River's skirt. "No."
"You okay?" He was concerned about the girl.
"Fine." She gracefully rose, reminding him River knew how to dance.
"Once we unload, we can go back to New Hope."
River smiled. "Maybe Jayne will have come to his senses."
"Maybe." He doubted it though. He wasn't sure what he was going to do if Jayne hadn't. Arrange to dissolve the man's marriage or what?
"Wouldn't make Liz happy."
"Jayne won't make her happy either."
"You should make Inara happy."
"Now don't you go there." He turned to go.
"Reavers aren't gone. " He faced her. "Won't forget what you did," River warned him.
"I'll handle 'em, if'n I have to."
"Should talk to her." River crawled back into the pilot's chair.
"Stay out of my head," he groused at her.
Everyone on board Serenity slept, or so Mal hoped. He walked his ship, touching the walls affectionately; he loved this boat from the first time he'd seen her. He'd seen the same in Kaylee's face more than once. Even in River's and Inara's, though he wasn't sure about Simon. Zoë called his ship home. He just hoped she felt the same after her baby was born and she didn't decide to stay on New Hope.
"You're up late."
He started. Mal hadn't heard Inara's approach. "Lost in thought."
"Careful. That could become a bad habit." Her tone was teasing.
"Maybe." He glanced at her. Inara smiled back and self-consciously smoothed the silk robe she wore. "How come you're up?"
"Couldn't sleep." She put her hands on the railing.
"I may never 'ave told ya, but I'm glad ya came back."
"I've always loved this ship." Inara managed to put a dreamy aspect into her voice.
Feeling daring, he asked. "Just the ship?"
She glanced down before replying. "Why do you ask?"
"You always answer a question with a question?"
"Sometimes. Depends on why it was asked."
"Thought you were trained on how to tell a man what he wanted to hear."
"I know with you," she artfully moved to face him, "that doesn't work."
"Then what would?" He was challenging her and he knew it.
"This." She leaned forward and kissed him.
He responded. He couldn't help it. Inara stirred something in him no other woman ever had.
Inara pulled back, lightly running a manicured finger down his face. "Good night, Mal." She walked away.
He blinked and smiled. So much for the rule about shipboard romances. He decided he was going to break it himself. No need to allow Inara an excuse to leave again, not if he could help it.
"Late," Jayne complained as he peeled yet another potato. "Always late. Should've known. Nothin' ever goes accordin' to plan."
"How's it goin', Jayne?" Justin asked as the big man stopped to check on Jayne.
"I ain't ever gonna eat another spud in my life."
"You say that now. You wait. You'll change your mind." He started to walk away. "Oh, by the way, the outhouse has never been cleaner. My thanks."
"Welcome," Jayne snarled.
Justin laughed as he strolled away. Jayne almost wished he had Vera to blast the stupid smile off Bolt's face.
"Hi, Jayne."
He wiped sweat out of his eyes. "Miss Phillips."
The pretty woman blushed and gave him a smile. "I hope you'd tell Liz, I mean, if you don't mind, that I miss her and hope she likes being married."
"You and James gonna get hitched?"
"One day, I hope. If James asks me." She patted the picnic basket she held on her arm. "I'm hoping he has time to eat lunch with me."
"He's down by the river," Jayne heard himself say.
"Thank you, Mr. Cobb."
"Jayne."
"Oh, that wouldn't be proper."
"Fine." He cut out a bruised piece of spud.
"Liz, she liked you from the start, you know."
"That why she trapped me inta marryin' her?"
Tawny glared at him. "Liz isn't like that. She's the sweetest person I know."
"She's ugly."
A rock hit him on the arm. "Owww!"
"Know what my mother told me," Tawny stormed at him. "All women are beautiful and even if they're beautiful when they're young, unless they have strength of character, they won't be when they get older." She tapped her foot. "I think you need to remember that." She lifted her head and went in search of James.
"Women." Jayne rubbed his arm where the rock had hit him. "Whores are easier ta understand."
Serenity finally returned to New Hope. Justin met the ship as Reynolds strolled down the ramp. "Was beginnin' ta worry," Bolt said as Reynolds reached him.
"Reavers attacked Underground. We stayed to help, then Stemple sent more supplies and man- power."
"Generous of him." Justin smiled. "Wonder what he charged the miners."
"Nothin'. Paid us a good fee to do the transportin'."
"Not like him."
"Well," Mal grinned. "I think Dr. Tam's offer to deliver Mrs. Stemple's baby, when it comes, might have softened the man's heart a mite."
"Could be."
"Jayne been behavin'?"
"I've kept him workin'."
"Wasn't my question."
"I know."
Mal sighed. "Guess my plan didn't work."
"Our plan," River corrected. "Where's Jayne?"
"In camp, probably buried in peeled potatoes."
"I have words for him." River marched off in the general direction of the Bolt's camp.
"She apt ta git lost?" Bolt asked.
"No."
"Good. Can I treat ya ta a drink?"
"Thank ya, kindly."
River found Jayne cleaning out the outhouse. She wrinkled her nose at the disgusting smell, taking more care on where she put her bare feet.
"What'ya doin' here?" He bellowed at her.
"We're back."
"I was beginnin' ta think ya forgot about me."
"Reavers hit Underground."
Jayne shuddered. He dropped the filled bucket. Some of the contents slopped over. "How bad?"
"Not as bad as it could have been. They hid."
"That woman still on board."
"You be nice when you talk about Liz. She loves you. You hurt her heart."
"I what?"
"You heard me." She kicked over the bucket and wiped her foot on green grass. "You don't deserve her."
"I didn't want ta git hitched!"
"You want to come back to Serenity, you have to be nice to her. She stays." River glared at him. "Or do you want to stay here and clean the outhouse?"
Mal shared several shots with Bolt before he broached the big man with what he wanted to do. "Is there any way to dissolved the marriage between Jayne and Liz."
Bolt slowly replaced his glass on the table. "You see no hope for them."
Mal shook his head. "I think Liz loves Jayne, but I don't see the opposite bein' true."
"Have they, uh…?"
"Not as far as I know."
"Well, I suppose I could talk to the pastor. But Liz…" Justin shook his head. "I don't see how any man here would take her as wife."
"Wasn't thinkin' on her stayin' here."
"You'd keep her on your ship?" His face reflected his surprise.
"Always intended to hire a cook."
"What about Jayne Cobb?"
"Jayne can come back ta Serenity if'n he wants." Mal shrugged. "Or not."
"Hmmm," Justin rubbed his square jaw. "Both would have to agree to dissolve their marriage."
"I'll talk to 'em. See what they want ta do."
"Best if ya do."
Mal had tried to clear out the dining area so he could talk to Jayne and Liz privately, but he could tell the rest of his crew were going to hover close enough to listen, so he dropped the pretense and just had everyone gather around the table.
"I talked to Justin Bolt," Mal began. "He's agreed to dissolve your marriage, if ya both want."
Liz gasped.
"Sounds fine by me," Jayne said.
"One catch," Mal perched one leg on a chair. "Liz stays on board as our cook."
"What?" Jayne bolted up. "That ain't fair."
River glared at him and crossed her arms. "Neither is how you've treated her."
"Well put, River." Mal grinned at the girl.
Jayne sneezed. "That gorram cat in here?"
"Mimzy has a home here, Jayne." Mal was firm on that point. "Question is, do you still want one?"
"You threatin' to put me off?"
"I don't hold anyone on my boat lessin' they want ta be here."
"I should go," Liz volunteered.
"No." He looked at Liz. "This ain't about you,"
"You're takin' her side!" Jayne yelled.
"I got more reasons than I can count-" Mal started.
"Oh, stop!" Liz rose, tears running down her face.
Inara hurried to Liz and held her. The companion's expression said everything that needed to be said.
"Fine." Jayne got up. "You tell that preacher to dissolve this here marriage. I'll be off your boat before ya know it." He stalked out.
"Can we afford to loose him, sir?" Zoë asked, though she didn't really seem concerned.
"Ni ta ma de. Tianxia suoyoude ren. Dou gaisi,*" Mal cursed.
"Wasn't part of the plan," River explained.
Liz hiccuped. "It wasn't?"
"No, meimei," Inara reassured her. "Mal, how are you going to fix this?"
"Wish I knew," he murmured.
At dusk, Jayne had all his belongings packed up and sitting at the end of Serenity's ramp. Mal and the others hung out above, none of them moving to tell Cobb goodbye. Liz finally descended and spoke to him.
"I won't agree, you know," she informed Jayne. "I spoke to the pastor this afternoon, and unless both of us do, he won't dissolve the marriage."
"You're a fool," he snapped back.
"I may be." Liz took a deep breath. "But I do love you."
Something shadowed over his face. "I ain't worthy." His tone hardened. "And I don't want no squalling kids."
Liz sniffed trying to hold back her tears. "You don't know the blessing you're missing."
Jayne grabbed his belongings, looking like a lop-sided peddler. "Good bye." He trudged off. Partway to the saloon he was joined by a heavy-set man, who took some of the bags. Liz watched as they disappeared in the general direction of the Bolt's camp.
"Don't you waste tears on him," Mal murmured beside her.
"But I love him."
"I know." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "My fault in makin' you two wed just to save my contract. Shoulda found another way." He lowered his voice. "You're welcome to stay."
"Thank you." She turned away and went back into the ship.
Mal stared out on New Hope for a long, long time, before going back inside. He'd had a wave from Sutters about delivering some badly needed ore to Verdue, and since the Bolt's had no cargo for him to haul, he figured both the cash, and more time apart, might change things. Might.
"Close her up, Zoe, we're leavin'."
"Yes, sir." His first mate closed the ramp. Everyone else scattered to their various destinations.
"Time we were in air."
"I agree, sir."
He hit the com. "River, take us up and plot a course for Underground."
"Okay." He heard her humming. The sound echoed all over the ship, a melancholy song reflecting his mood on loosing one of his own. And he'd lost too many to let one more go. He just had to figure how best to get Jayne Cobb back.
*Everyone under the heavens ought to die.
Originally published in 'Of Dreams and Schemes #23" edited by Catherine Schlein, May 2008. A few changes have been made by the author.